Where and when will Montanas wild birds be tested?
A. Last year the montana team tested 2022 live and hunter-harvested birds and submitted 62 mortality/morbidity samples to the National Wildlife Health Center lab in Madison, WI. A totoal of 998 environmental samples were also collected state-wide. During 2007, the Montana team will sample 1500 birds—including tundra swans, snow geese, pintails, mallards. Sampling began in August with the effort focused within the Pacific and Central Flyways. Biologists and technicians will sample live birds during waterfowl banding operations that take place each summer as well as from urban waterfowl flocks using baited swim-in traps. In addition, 1,000 fecal samples will be collected and processed during the migration period from areas where waterfowl and shorebirds concentrate. Montana’s plan also includes getting help from hunters and the testing of harvested ducks, tundra swans, and snow geese through field checks. Dead and sick waterfowl or shorebirds will be investigated and sampled. Six transec
